20 Best Game Of Thrones Quotes – The Most Iconic Quotes

No matter where you are and who you are, it is pretty much impossible to escape Game Of Thrones (GoT) from pop culture and media. Especially now, where every Monday, your social media feed is probably full of GoT spoilers. Be it out of sheer interest or cultural osmosis, there is no way you can escape the phenomenon known as “Game of Thrones“.

For the uninitiated, Game of Thrones is TV series, based on George R.R Martin’s fantasy novel series, “A Song of Ice and Fire”. The plot is set in a fictitious medieval world, revolving the continents of Westeros and Essos. The story follows three different arcs, and who ultimately sits on the powerful Iron Throne as a King/Queen and rules the land of the seven kingdoms. It follows closely the houses (noble families) of Starks, Lannisters, Targaryens and Baratheons, among other houses. With elements like dragons and other mythical creatures in this episode, it managed to enchant a wide spectrum of audiences globally.

Thanks to George R.R Martin and the writers of the TV series, we were privileged enough to come across come of the most iconic quotes in TV (and even entertainment) history. Although context is everything, these lines stand out for the sheer impact they create. Some of these lines exude wisdom and intelligence. So, without further ado, let’s look at the most iconic lines from Game of Thrones! Be warned though! Major spoilers ahead for the uninitiated!

Here are the best/most popular quotes from Game Of Thrones

1. “Winter is coming.”
-House Stark

Most GoT fans will agree that this is the most iconic line from the show. The House motto of the Starks, this line can serve multiple meanings. It can either indicate the hardships (winter) or the war, that will inevitably come. Or, it can also mean the prophesized long night which will ensue and bring the White Walkers. The motto is that of constant vigilance and serves as a warning.

2. “A Lannister always pays his debts.”
-House Lannister

Another popular line, which has received cult status, this too can serve as a double entendre. Lannisters are filthy rich and they do pay back what they owe. However, this line can also mean that Lannisters are never to be messed with (as we learn multiple times in the show) because they will pay it back with aggression and wit.

3. “Hold the door.”
-Hodor

If you are a real fan, this will hurt real close. Hodor has undoubtedly been one of the most fan-favourite characters. Although his only choice of words rival that of Groot, when the GoT Universe found out the reason for his single word vocabulary, it broke everyone’s heart.

4. “Chaos isn’t a pit. Chaos is a ladder.”
-Lord Baelish

Another popular quote and this time it is by one of the smartest (read cunning) men in the entire GoT universe. Lord Baelish was a master of deceit and tricks. Popularly known as Littlefinger, Baelish became famous for his selfish philosophy and opportunistic nature. He only cared about himself and loved chaos as he saw it to be a perfect stepping stone to climb up the ladder and become more powerful in King’s Landing.

5.”Valar Morghulis”
-Valyrian saying

High Valyrian for “All men must die”, it is usually followed by “Valar Morghulis” (All men must serve). The reason why this quote probably got famous is because…characters dropped dead like turkey on Thanksgiving Day. Arya first learnt about it after she used the coin she got from Jaqen H’ghar.

6. “What do we stay to the God of Death? Not Today!”
-Syrio Forel

Although Syrio Forel, Arya’s sword instructor, had a very small screen-time, his iconic quote in the first season still resonates with the fans. Forel told Arya this quote, and she later understood its deeper meaning, when she went on to show the world how much good of a swordswoman she is!

7. “The night is dark and full of terrors.”
-Melisandre

A religious fanatic and strong believer of the Lord of Light, Melisandre believed that the night is full of terrors and only the Lord of Light can save them. All of the rest are false Gods.

8. “Any man who must say ‘I am the King’ is no true King.”
-Tywin Lannister

Tywin Lannister has been an iconic figure in Game of Thrones. The richest man in all of the seven kingdoms, he was ruthless and highly intelligent. It is said that no one could devise war strategies better than him and nobody had a better foresight about politics. He commanded attention anywhere he went and his cold stare was enough to freeze anyone. Including King Joffrey (arguably the most hated character in the series), who was a king at this point. Needless to say, Joffrey didn’t like it. Not that he could run his mouth with Tywin on the other end either.

9. “Never forget what you are. The rest of the world will not. Wear it like armour, and it can never be used to hurt you.”
-Tyrion Lannister

Tyrion, through his sheer wisdom, reminding everyone and all of us to never forget who we are. On point is all that we can say for this!

10. “The powerful have always preyed on the powerless. That’s how they became powerful in the first place.”
-Tyrion Lannister

Tyrion makes us understand world politics and humanity’s history through his sheer wisdom. And we don’t think anyone can disagree on this. Throughout history, the powerful have always oppressed the powerless. Spot on, Tyrion!

The true essence of this show is highlighted when Varys spoke to Ned Stark when Ned was in prison. In a game where everyone plays for the throne, no one cares about the realm. And what kind of a ruler only cares for himself/herself without caring for an everlasting peace or prosperity? Apparently, everyone! Except for Varys, who truly wanted peace and prosperity, and a little bit of power.

12. “When people ask you what happened here, tell them the North remembers. Tell them winter came for House Frey.”
-Arya Stark

One of the most painful episodes to watch was the Red Wedding. The episode had done a lot of damage to Arya Stark’s family, especially by the Freys. And Arya “Badass” Stark came back in the sixth season to take what the Freys owed her: their lives. No matter how many times you watch this particular part, you will always love it. Arya’s character development peaked at this moment and there was no looking back for her.

13. “A mind needs books like a sword needs a whetstone if it is to keep its edge.”
-Tyrion Lannister

In case you are wondering where Tyrion gets all this wisdom from, here is your answer. Seems to work fine for him. All of us should give it a try as well!

14. “A lion doesn’t concern himself with the opinions of a sheep.”
-Tywin Lannister

Consider this an egotistical declaration or a self-confident statement, there is no doubt that Tywin exuded intelligence. Symbolic of their house sigil, Tywin states that he and his house do not care what others think about them. The Lannisters are mightier and much more powerful, and they do not need to concern themselves with the opinions of anyone else who isn’t a Lannister.

15. “When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die.”
-Cersei Lannister

Does anything else sum up a show so beautifully? Let’s not dig too deep into this. If you are a fan, you understand. If you are, you will when you start watching.

16. “If you think this has a happy ending, you haven’t been paying attention.”
-Ramsay Bolton

Ramsay basically explained what it feels like to be a GoT fan. This sadistic (insert any profanity here) loved to torture people and his iconic quote just horrified us. It also confirmed that Ramsay was much worse than we anticipated him to be.

17. “Stick ’em with the pointy end.”
-Jon Snow

Jon Snow: Teaching How To Use A Sword 101. And Arya takes this advice to her heart and does exactly that later. We ain’t complaining! How else do you use a sword anyway?

18. “I’ve always had blue eyes!”
-Tormund Giantsbane

One of the funniest quotes from the show, this is probably the best quote from season eight. White Walkers, the undead, are supposed to have blue eyes. When Eddison Tollett meets Tormunds, he shouts that Tormund has blue eyes, which means he might be dead and is a wight. To which Tormund snaps…

Iconic, memorable and badass- this quote defines Arya Stark and her self-realization about her true identity. Who she is, where she is from and who she was always meant to be. The fitting line for a true legend.

20. “Night gathers, and now my watch begins.”
-Night’s Watch

The sworn oath of the Night’s Watch, this military organisation swears to protect the Seven Kingdoms from the mythical (and later true) Night Walkers and from the wildlings. They guard the realm from Castle Black, towering over a gigantic Wall, which is over 700 foot tall and 300-mile long. The full oath of the Night’s Watch is: “Night gathers, and now my watch begins. It shall not end until my death. I shall take no wife, hold no lands, father no children. I shall wear no crowns and win no glory. I shall live and die at my post. I am the sword in the darkness. I am the watcher on the walls. I am the shield that guards the realms of men. I pledge my life and honour to the Night’s Watch, for this night and all the nights to come.”

So, there is it. The most iconic lines from the legendary franchise, known as Game of Thrones. Which one is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below and remember to binge it, if you haven’t already!